NSF Collaborative Proposal

Collaborative proposals may be submitted to NSF in one of two methods:

As a single proposal, in which a single award is being requested (with sub-awards administered by the lead organization); or

By simultaneous submission of proposals from different organizations, with each organization requesting a separate award.

Submission of a collaborative proposal from one organization

A single investigator bears primary responsibility for the administration of the grant and discussions with NSF

A single award would be made to the submitting organization

Sub-awards would be established between the lead organization and any collaborating organizations

Submission of a collaborative proposal from multiple organizations

Project title must begin with the words "Collaborative Research:"
If funded, each organization is awarded directly by NSF.

The following sections are required for a collaborative proposal submitted by:

Lead Organization

Cover Sheet

Project Summary

Project Description

References Cited

Biographical Sketch(es)

Budget & Justification

Current & Pending Support

Facilities, Equipment & Other Resources

Data Management Plan

Postdoctoral Mentoring Plan (if applicable)

Non-Lead Organization

Biographical Sketch(es)

Budget & Justification

Current & Pending Support

Facilities, Equipment & Other Resources

Each non-lead organization must assign their proposal a proposal PIN. This PIN and the temporary proposal ID generated by FastLane must be provided to the lead organization before it submits to NSF.

The lead organization must then enter each non-lead organization(s) proposal PIN and temporary proposal ID into the FastLane lead proposal by using the "Link Collaborative Proposals" option found on the FastLane "Form Preparation" screen. Given that such separately submitted proposals constitute a “single” proposal submission to NSF, it is imperative that the proposals be submitted within a reasonable timeframe to one another.